Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is inflammation of the clear membrane that covers your eyelids and white part (sclera). It may be caused by infection (often viral but occasionally bacterial), an allergic reaction or even by both factors acting together.

Viral conjunctivitis is very prevalent and often clears on its own; while bacterial infection often involves an offensive mucus-like discharge.

Causes

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, results from irritation or infection of the conjunctiva that lines inside of eyelids and covers white part of eyeball (sclera). Its pink hue results from expanded blood vessels in eyes.

There are different forms of conjunctivitis. Viral infections typically produce watery discharge and tend to start in one eye before spreading to both. They are highly contagious and should be avoided in schools or work environments until your pink eye clears up completely.

Bacterial infections may also produce the symptoms associated with pink eye, such as watery discharge. They may or may not produce pus, depending on the strain of bacteria involved, and require antibiotic eyedrops or ointments for resolution.

Allergies can lead to pink eye symptoms in some individuals. Pollen, cosmetic ingredients and dust are among the most prevalent allergens, leading to symptoms including extreme itching, mucous discharge and moderate redness of eyes – often accompanying runny nose or head congestion as well.

Non-allergic conjunctivitis may be caused by physical issues like foreign bodies in the eye or blocked tear ducts. This form of pink eye often manifests with mucus discharge ranging from clear to yellow or green in hue. Direct contact with chemicals fumes or particles is another potential trigger; similarly it can occur if contacts are worn over long periods or not properly stored and cleaned after use.

Non-infectious conjunctivitis is often the result of another medical condition, such as glaucoma or blocked tear ducts, so pink eye can serve as an early warning signal that more serious issues need to be treated. People experiencing non-infectious conjunctivitis should seek evaluation by an ophthalmologist; in certain instances a tear fluid sample or examination using special lights to observe cornea and conjunctiva may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

Symptoms

Infectious conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, usually arises when bacteria or viruses irritate the thin membrane that covers your inner eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. The inflammation causes blood vessels in this region to become more visible, giving your eyes a reddish or pink tint. Due to its highly contagious nature, it’s crucial that frequent handwashing takes place and that infected areas remain isolated from others.

If you suspect pink eye, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. A physical exam and review of symptoms will allow a health care provider to diagnose conjunctivitis as soon as possible and its cause. While culture testing may be needed in some cases of conjunctivitis infection, most cases of conjunctivitis can usually be diagnosed through history review and physical exam alone.

Viral conjunctivitis is more frequently experienced when combined with respiratory infections (or colds), lasting several weeks and often producing thick yellow pus. While not requiring antibiotics, treatment such as cool compresses and over-the-counter decongestant drops may provide some relief. Conversely, bacterial infections tend to produce large quantities of clear or white mucus with central blood vessels (papillae). Antibiotic eye drops or ointments usually work well against this form, typically clearing it within days or two.

Non-allergic conjunctivitis is usually caused by physical problems such as dryness or contact lens use, although chemical splashes may also trigger it and result in symptoms lasting 24 hours before any irritation has subsided. Other physical issues that contribute to non-allergic conjunctivitis include poor contact lens hygiene – sleeping in contacts without cleaning properly is one cause, another is infected blepharitis or pinguecula which also aggravates this form of inflammation, while its symptoms could potentially arise as complications from keratitis, cellulitis, corneal abrasions or angle-closure glaucoma complications.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria for most types of conjunctivitis involve taking a history and receiving an eye exam by an eye care provider. An exam should include taking an account of symptoms as well as conducting an inspection of eyes, nose and throat areas as well as collecting sticky purulent discharge for analysis by laboratory testing to help identify both its type and source; they also help establish appropriate treatments.

Viral conjunctivitis often manifests itself gradually and is linked with a low-grade upper respiratory infection that mimics the flu. It is highly contagious and may spread from person to person by sharing towels or washcloths contaminated with eye discharge, or simply touching one another after using such items. Common viruses that cause conjunctivitis include herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), adenoviruses and enteroviruses.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and spreads rapidly from person to person, usually manifested by sore throat symptoms or signs of an upper respiratory infection caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus or Klebsiella pneumoniae. Symptoms typically include thick, sticky purulent discharge in white, yellow or green colors accompanied by thick sticky pustules; unlike viral conjunctivitis however bacterial patients typically don’t experience itching!

Non-infectious forms of conjunctivitis, including giant papillary conjunctivitis, scleritis, dry eye syndrome and contact lens problems due to allergies or poor fitting lenses, typically present themselves as redness and inflammation on the outer layers of eyelids.

Other less-common causes of conjunctivitis may include fungus, parasites or rickettsial pathogens – these tend to be more difficult to treat and may require special assistance from eye care providers or medical doctors.

Most people with conjunctivitis find relief either on their own or through over-the-counter remedies like eye drops or ointments, including antibiotic ointments and tablets for infectious forms, while antihistamine tablets are used to combat allergy-induced conjunctivitis. Artificial tears may provide temporary relief from dry eyes; an essential part of treating most forms of conjunctivitis.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the source of pink eye. Viral conjunctivitis, often caused by viruses that contribute to colds, typically resolves itself within seven days without medical intervention; though mild symptoms may persist. A cool compress and artificial tears available over-the-counter without prescription may provide temporary relief while symptoms run their course; alternatively, doctors may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment to reduce risks and shorten recovery timelines.

Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is more serious and needs immediate medical attention to prevent spreading to other parts of the body. Antibiotic eyedrops or ointments will usually relieve most forms of bacterial conjunctivitis in one to two days while antibiotic tablets may also be prescribed if infections originate elsewhere in the body. For severe cases like Ophthalmia Neonatorum which can result in permanent eye damage in newborns doctors treat with antibiotic ointment soon after birth using antibiotic ointment ointment right after birth to avoid spread to other parts of their bodies.

Chemical or toxic conjunctivitis can develop through contact with air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools or exposure to hazardous chemicals. Symptoms typically include red eyes with tears, sensitivity to light and crusting on the eyelid surface; antibiotic or antihistamine eyedrops or allergy pills can provide temporary relief from this form of conjunctivitis.

Patients suffering from pink eye should avoid contact lenses and other potentially contaminated products until their infection has cleared up, and should wash their hands frequently with proper hygiene to reduce chances of spreading it further. It may be wise to wear sunglasses or face masks when going outside during peak transmission hours to provide extra protection, particularly at peak hours of transmission. In addition, patients should never reuse dirty towels or washcloths and should only wear clean contacts if their doctor has approved. Furthermore, washing the cloths or washcloths used to wipe the face and eyes can reduce chances of becoming infected further.